Syria: New proof of ‘heavy weapon use’ in Aleppo

Damascus: Human rights group Amnesty International has raised concerns over new satellite images showing increased use of heavy weapons in and around the Syrian city of Aleppo.

According to Amnesty International, some pictures revealed ‘over 600 probable artillery impact craters’ from heavy fighting between government troops and rebel forces in the nearby town of Anadan.

The rights group warned that both government troops and rebels might be held criminally responsible for failing to protect civilians, the BBC reports.

In one case, Amnesty said a crater is seen next to what appears to be residential housing complex in the town.

“Amnesty International is sending a clear message to both sides in the fighting: any attacks against civilians will be clearly documented so that those responsible can be held accountable,” the report quoted the group`s US emergency response manager, Christoph Koettl, as saying.

“Turning Syria`s most populous city into a battlefield will have devastating consequences for civilians. The atrocities in Syria are mounting already,” he added.